Japanese shrines

祖霊神

祖霊神

Kanagawa

The Saisenjin Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture is dedicated to the worship of ancestral spirits, known as 'yurei' in Japanese folklore. Located near the foot of Mt. Haku, a sacred mountain believed to be the dwelling place of the kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance during the Edo period, with traditional tiled roofs and vermillion gates. Its tranquil surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking solace and connection with nature.

大黒天社

大黒天社

Kanagawa

Located in the city of Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kurokamisan-sha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of darkness and misfortune, Ōkami-Kurafude. While its origins are unclear, it is believed to have been established during the Edo period. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design with a rectangular main hall and a large torii gate. In local folklore, the shrine is said to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to those who pray for protection from misfortune.

道祖神

道祖神

Kanagawa

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, the Dozoshin Shrine is dedicated to the spirit of a samurai lord who ruled over the area during the Edo period. This Shinto shrine is notable for its traditional architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere and connect with nature at this peaceful oasis.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Iwate

Located in Iwate Prefecture, Eight-Horned Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to the storm god Susanoo and his sister Otohime. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional and modern elements, with eight vermilion gates arranged around the main torii gate. Each gate is said to represent one of the eight sacred horns of Susanoo. Pilgrims visit the shrine during the annual Oshogatsu festival to pray for good luck and prosperity.

天照御祖神社

天照御祖神社

Iwate

Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, Tsukasa Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Okami, the Shinto sun goddess and one of the most important deities in the Japanese pantheon. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the Tsukasa River and is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including its large torii gate and wooden roofed halls.

八坂神社

八坂神社

Shimane

Eight-hill Shrine, located in the town of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron of rice and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects its long history, with a combination of Heian and Edo-period styles. Its tranquil gardens and traditional torii gate add to its serene atmosphere. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage.

伊賀多気神社

伊賀多気神社

Tottori

Izega-tokui-jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Yonehara, Tottori Prefecture. Dedicated to the kami of the Izega region, the shrine is known for its unique architectural style and historical significance. The shrine's main hall, dedicated to Hachiman Ōkami, features a distinctive shinden-zukuri design, typical of 12th-century Heian-period architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens and grounds, which are said to be inhabited by various regional kami.

青塚熊野神社

青塚熊野神社

Miyagi

The Aozuka Kuma-no-Matsuri Shrine, located in the mountainous region of Miyagi Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto kami of bears and forest spirits. This shrine, situated at an altitude of approximately 200 meters, is known for its unique architectural style, which reflects the local influence of Japanese Buddhism and indigenous Ryukyu traditions. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's tranquil gardens and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine during special events. The shrine also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

増輝神社

増輝神社

Shimane

Located in the scenic town of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Takamatsu Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of learning and literature, Takamatsuhiko. The shrine's main hall, built in 1855, features a distinctive red lacquer finish, which was considered auspicious for academic pursuits. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a peaceful garden and a small museum showcasing local art and artifacts.

荒神社

荒神社

Okayama

Arashinsha Shrine, located in the city of Okayama, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a distinctive torii gate and a complex network of paths leading to its main hall. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene gardens and learn about its rich history.

諏訪神社

諏訪神社

Kanagawa

諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, who is revered as the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture is typical of Heian-style temples, with a large torii gate and a beautiful garden. Visitors can walk through the shrine grounds, which include several shrines, museums, and traditional Japanese restaurants.

加茂神社

加茂神社

Kyoto

Gamo Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Kamigasa area of Kyoto, dedicated to the kami Gamo, believed to be the spirit of a deer that died at the shrine's site. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a three-story pagoda and a five-story lantern tower. Visitors can honor the shrine by performing a purification ritual using sacred water from the temple, which is said to possess spiritual energy. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Gamo Shrine Spring Festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional dances and performances.

鞆尾神社

鞆尾神社

Gifu

天照皇太神宮

天照皇太神宮

Niigata

Located in Niigata Prefecture, Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of learning, literature, and culture, Sugawara no Michizane. As a symbol of education and intellectual pursuits, the shrine attracts scholars, students, and book lovers from all over Japan.

稲荷神社

稲荷神社

Niigata

Inzai Shrine, located in the city of Shiojiri in the prefecture of Niigata, is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the 7th century. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice, prosperity, and industry, this Shinto shrine is renowned for its vibrant festivals and unique architectural style. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and traditional buildings, including the iconic torii gate.

石動神社

石動神社

Niigata

The Jodai-ji Shrine, located in the Niigata prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style, with a rectangular entrance hall surrounded by wooden pillars. Inside the shrine, visitors can admire the intricately carved wooden torii gate and the tranquil garden featuring native plants.

八幡宮

八幡宮

Niigata

Located in the city of Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Fushimi Inari, known as the god of rice, prosperity, and industry. The shrine's unique eight-horseshoe shape is said to symbolize good luck and protection. With its simple yet elegant architecture, the shrine has been an important landmark in the region for centuries. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy traditional Shinto rituals.

八幡神社

八幡神社

Shizuoka

Located in the heart of Japan, Eight-Horsemanship Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the country. Dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, it is said that he brought fertility and prosperity to the area through his eight swift horses. Visitors can admire the shrine's beautiful architecture, which features a large torii gate made from black pine wood, symbolizing strength and protection.

神明社

神明社

Niigata

Located in the heart of Niigata Prefecture, Godai Shrine is dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's history dates back to the 17th century, during the Edo period. As a local Shinto shrine, it has maintained its traditional architecture and practices, which are still followed today.

神明神社

神明神社

Niigata

Godaiyama Shrine, located in the city of Niigata, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of agriculture and fertility. The shrine's name, Godaiyama, translates to 'Five-Story Mountain Shrine.' With its striking architecture and serene atmosphere, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.

川原神社

川原神社

Niigata

Located in the town of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, is not correct, however, it's close to Kanazawa city and the nearby prefecture of Niigata. The origin of the name 'Kawara' means 'pond' or 'lake'. Founded in the 8th century, Kawaragahara Shrine honors the local deities believed to have protected the area from invading armies. The shrine is a notable example of a traditional Japanese garden with a large pond at its center.

石動神社

石動神社

Niigata

Stone Gate Shrine, located in Niigata Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity, Hachiman Okami, a powerful kami associated with war and protection. The shrine's name reflects its distinctive stone gate structure, built during the Kamakura period (1192-1333). As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it showcases traditional architecture and cultural significance.

住吉神社

住吉神社

Niigata

住吉神社は、神奈川県の神宮寺から移され、1868年に現在の新潟県に設立された神社です。東日本大震災が起きた1973年には、東海地方を中心とする福祉の神である福神（福田大神）を配慮し、それと共に住吉神社で祈りました。現在は、神奈川県で発生した2011年の太平洋Earthquakeから日本に帰ってきた神田大神（海軍神）も一緒に祈られています。 神宮寺からの移植が完成したあとに、当時新潟県の神社として最も初めに設立されたものである住吉神社となりました。東日本大震災後の福神の再配慮は、神宮寺から来る神を再び安置したという考えが根底にあると思われます。 現在は、東日本大震災で日本人に初めて受け取った核被害者による健康診断を受けたものを除くすべての国籍の人々が参拝できます。 住吉神社では、毎年1月12日、2月3日、5月3日、7月6日、9月13日には、その日に同じ日付の日に開催される特別な式典があります。東日本大震災後の福神を再配慮した際にも、これらの式典は続いています。 この神社では、一般的に、子どもの生まれの男性が先に参拝し、次に母親や女性の家族、そして最後に夫や男の子が順番に入るというルールがあります。ただし、そのようなルールには異議を唱えられる場合もあります。 この神社は、東日本大震災後の福神を再配慮した際にも続いています。2018年に始まった新しい式典では、「世界の平和」や「東日本大震災への復興」といったテーマが取り上げられました。 住吉神社は、子どもの生まれの男性から始めて、その次に母親や女性の家族、そして最後に夫や男の子が順番に入ると言うルールがあります。ただし、規則はすべて同じでなく、異議を唱える場合もあります。 この神社は、東日本大震災後の福神を再配慮した際にも続いています。

神明宮

神明宮

Niigata

Located in the heart of Niigata Prefecture, Godaikannon Temple is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. As one of Japan's most ancient shrines, it dates back to the Edo period and boasts a unique architectural style that reflects its rich history.